Rotary inking mechanism and process



fi 1944. AJTA LQR' E-T'AI; 2,347,619

ROTARY "INKING MECHANISM AND PROCESS Filed April .21, 1942 Patented Apr. 25, 1944 ROTARY INKING MECHANISM Ann rnocnss Auburn Taylor, Charleston, W. Va., and Emory W. Worthington, Chicago, 111., assignors to The Goss Printing Press Company, Chicago, 111., a

corporation of Illinois Application April 21, 1942, SerialNo. 439,828

' 23 Claims; (01. 101-350) The present invention relates to printing presses and more particularlyto inking mecha- I nism' and processes for rotary printing presses.

Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part hereinafter and in part will be obviousherefrom, or may be 'leamed by practice with the invention, the same being realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities, processes, steps and combinations pointed out in the appended claims. r i i The invention consists in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, processes, steps, combinations and improvements herein shown i and described. l

The accompanying drawing; referred to herein and constituting a part hereof, illustrates one mechanism for definite and desired periods of time and at predetermined intervals.

In accordance with a preferred and illustrative embodiment-of the invention illustratively shown in the accompanying drawing there is provided in a rotary printing press a pair of printing couples through which a web of paper is led for printing on both sides of the web. Means are embodiment of the present invention and one mechanism for the inking mechanism;

provided for applying printing inkto theprinting plates on the form cylinder of each printing couple, andthesemeans comprise an ink fountain'with a fountain roller positioned in the ink supply, an ink drum of relatively large diameter, and various transfer rollers for conveying the ink from the fountain rollers. to;the ink drum and from the ink drum to the form'cylinder of; the printing couple.

A plurality of vibrating rollers are grouped about. the ink drum and have axial reciprocating movement, each "out of phase with theother, while the printing press is in operation to disa tribute the inkfrom the ink fountain in a uni- Fig. 2 is a'pla'n view'oi'certain'portions of the Y inking mechanism shown in Fig. 1; and

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic viewof the fluid spray mechanism for the printing press inking mechanism andicontrol means therefor. The present invention has for its object the provision of new and novel inking mechanism for rotary printing presses whereby proper "substances may be applied to various of the inking members carrying the printing ink for the press, at desired times and for"predeterrnined and desired intervals. A further objectof the invention istne provision of means with the inking mechanism for a rotary printing press for applying a finely divided fluidspray to various of the ink rollers and ink drum and to the printmg ink on those members in orderto properly condition both the ink and the inking members for'maximum printing efliciency.v The invention further provides a method and means particu larly applicable to theuse of water baseinksin rotary printing presses for the prevention of caking or solidifying of the ink in the inkingmechanism. and the proper conditioning ofthe inking mechanism during printing. Still another object is the provision of means with the printing press inking mechanism for applying fluid sprays to the printing ink and the inking 55 and again when the main operating control ized spray upon the form enveloping film upon the ink drum before it is transferred to the printing'plates. A nuin-- ber of spray nozzles or atomizers'are provided air source in order to force the fluid into the nozzles and out ina very finely divided or atomtions of the ink drum.

Control means'are provided for the fluid spray mechanism whichautomatically begins the fliud spray and con-tinue'sit for' a variably "predeter mined interval of time after which the spray is automatically terminated; or the printing'p'ress operator may at any time by push button con for closing from a spring switch on the main op-- erating control-switch of the. printing press, so

that the spring switch is. momentarily closed as the main operating control switch is being advanced from stop or slow to operating speed.

vibrating rollers and por switch is being retarded from operating speed to slow or stop. A time delay switch or quickmake-slow-break relay is placed in the circuit; of the spring 'switch and the solenoid actuating relay, so that the compressed air valve may be opened for a period of several seconds or more although the spring switch is only momentarily closed. The spring switch may be positioned at {any point along the travel of the main operating control switch depending upon the point relative to the operating speed of the printing press at which it is desired to automatically open the compressed air valve. In the present embodiment of the invention the spring switch is positioned at such a point that it is closed by the main operating control switch when the press is at a very low or inching speed. A push button switch is provided in parallel with the spring switch so that the fluid spray may be actuated by the printing press operator at desired times when the main operating control switch is not in such position as to close the spring switch.

Any fluid may be used in connection with the fiuidspray mechanism of the present invention which is desirable and advantageous in improving the operation of the inking mechanism and the printing process. In accordance with the novel and improved process of the present invention, however, it has been found desirable to use as a fluid spray a slowly evaporating or substantially non-volatile liquid miscible with the base of the particular ink being used, in order to prevent drying and caking of the ink when the press is operated at a very slow or inching speed or is brought to a stop, and to lubricate the inking rollers and prevent drying or caking while the press is at speed operation. Where water base inks are being used in the printing operation the mechanism and process of the present invention will be found to be particularly useful, for the essential components of a water base ink are a high percentage of finely divided or colloidal carbon in a water base or vehicle, and with the normal evaporation of the latter the desired proportions of the ink are destroyed and caking of the carbon on the inking mechanism results, both while the press is in opera-- tion and particularly whenthe press is at stop or inching speed. In order to overcome this dimculty and the resulting defective printing and costly delays a hygroscopic spray miscible with the water base of the ink is used in the spraying system. Example of such sprays are glycerine or diethylene glycol in water solution, which are applied for desired time periods to the various rollers of the inking mechanism by the spraying means of the present invention when the speed of the press is being advanced from stop to operating speed and again when the press is being kerosene or the like for overcoming the difliculties already mentioned in the use of water base inks.

It will be understood that the foregoing genscription as well are exemplary and explanatory of the invention but are not restrictive thereof.

Referring now to the embodiment of the present invention illustratively shown in the accompanying drawing a rotary printing press, as shown in'Fig. 1, comprises a pair of printing couples each having an impression cylinder l0 and a plate cylinder I! through which a web of paper W is led in the direction of the indicating arrqws by means of idler rollers l2, l3, l4, ii for printing on both sides of the web. Each printing couple is provided with an inking mechanism, and as illustratively shown these comprise an ink fountain I! in which the fountain roller I3 is rotatably mounted. The printing ink is conveyed from the ink fountain by means of a pick-up roller l3 and a transfer roller 20 to the ink drum 2| of relatively great diameter, on the outer cylindrical surface of which the ink is distributed in a thin uniform enveloping film by means of vibrating rollers 22, 23, 24 which have an axially oscillating motion, each out of phase with the others. The ink is transferred from the surface of the ink drum 2| to the printing plates on plate cylinder II by means of form ink rollers 26, 21, and the impression is thereafter taken on the web W.

The spraying means for the inking mechanism comprises a plurality of spraying or atomizing nozzles" which are spaced apart along a length of communicating air pipe 3| and held in position upon the printing press frame or otherwise as may be convenient to lie along the length of the vibrating rollers 22, 23, 24. The communicating air pipe 3| is connected to any suitable source of compressed air through an intake pipe 32, and a manual cut-oi! valve 33 and air pressure indicating gauge 34 are positioned along the air line. As compressed air arrives from the source along pipe 32,it is received in a relatively large air-tight tank 35 before passing along to the spray nozzles and other parts of the mechanism in order to remove surges in the air and to maintain a steady pressure on the system. v

A reservoir 31 is provided to hold the liquid which is to be sprayed upon the inking mechanism, and the compressed air source communicates with the top of the reservoir through pipe 33, in which are placed an adjustable stricture valve 39 and a pressure gauge 40 so that the airpressure ,on the top of the liquid in the res- Q ervoir may be regulated as may be required.

A fluid pipe ll extends into the bottom of reservoir 31 and thence parallel with the length of air pipe 3|. A plurality of needle valves l2 are positioned along the length of the fluid pipe 4| and each lies adjacent one of the spray nozzles 30 and is connected thereto by a flexible fluid conducting hose 43.

The liquid in reservoir 31. is thus forced by air pressure through pipe 4|, needle valves 42 and into spray nozzles 30 where it is finely divided or atomized by compressed air entering through pipe 3|, and the spray is directed upon the vibrator rollers 22, 23, 24 and portions of the ink drum 2|. A shut-off valve 45 is positioned in the air pipe 3| between the .compressed air source and the spray nozzles 30, and the opening and closing of the valve is remotely operated by a solenoid shown diagrammatically at numeral 46. This solenoid is actuated from a spring switch 'I'I which is closed as the main control switch It is advanced from a stop to an inching speed posieral description and thefollowing detailed de- 78 tion and opened when the main control switch is 2,847,619 further advanced, the main control switch arm I! engaging a detent 50 on the spring switch at a point where the printing press is at very slow or inching speed. Y

When spring switch I! is closed a circuit is completed from the main electric power lines 52, I! through the lead lines 54, it, and this circuit includes a time delay switch or quick-make-slowbreak relay, which is indicated generally with numeral S6. The time delay switch may be of any suitable and conventional construction and preterably 'is of a type in which variable delay means are incorporated, and many such switches are on the commercial market at the present time, r

The time delay switch, when actuated, closes by means of its arm ill a circuit from the mains I2, 83 through lead lines Si, 62 and including -a relay 8! in the circuit. The relay", in turn, by

its arm it closes a circuit through leads 61, 68 (mm themains 52, 53 to thesolenoid l6, and the shut-oi! valve 45 is thenlopened and spraying continues until time delay switch is-freleases and the circuit tothe solenoid is broken.,. -4 puslrbut ton switchflllisj connected: in parallelgwithzsprin'g.

switch 41 enabling the pressinan toactuate the fluid spraying system at timeswhen the spring switch 41 is open. r

With the spraying system of-the present invention the application of a hygroscopic or water spray to a water-base ink may be had at any time when it is required to lubricate and protect the vibrating rollers and ink drum andto prevent the ink trom caking on the inking mechanism, and the spray is automatically applied when the press is operating at a very low. or inching speed. 7 When printing inks having a volatile petroleum oil base are used in the press kerosene or a similar agent may be used in the spray sys-- tem to prevent drying out of the ink and conse-,

quent undesired caking or tackiness oi the ink.

The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific mechanisms, processes and steps shown and described but departures may be made therefrom within the-scope of the accomuid spray to the inking rollers, valve means having opened and closed positions for permitting and prohibiting respectively the operation of the spray means, said valve means beingmaintained normally in closed position, and means for auto matically opening the valve means for a predetermined period oi time as the speedo! the printing press is brought from high speed to a stop.

4. In a rotary printing press having inking means including inking-rollers, the combination of spray means for applying a finely divided liquid spray to the inking rollers, valve means having opened and closed positions for permitting and prohibitingrespectively the operation of the spray. means, said valvemeans'being maintained normally in closed position, and means for auto-, matically opening the valve means for a predetermined period of time as the speed of the printing press is brought from stop to high speed.

5. A rotary printing press comprising, in combination, an impression cylinder and a plate cyle inder for printing, on an interposed continuous ersfinperiplierafcontact 'th with, and autom'atic liquid. spray means for the application of a liquid spray to the ink drum and vibrator rollers, said means comprislnga liquid spray nozzle adjacent the vibrator rollers, a liquid reservoir, a liquid conveying connection between the spray nozzle and liquid reservoir, a compressed air source, an air conveying connection between the air source and the spray nozzle, a

' valve in the air conveying connection, a solepairving claims without departing from the principles of the invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages. y

What we claim is: i

1. In a rotary printing press having inking mechanism, the combination of means for applying a finely divided liquid spray to the.inking mechanism, said means being normally unactuated, meansfor automatically actuating said first mentioned means to apply. said spray when the printing press is operatingat a predetermined speed, and means for continuingthe, actuation of said first mentioned means for a predetermined period of time after the printing press is operating at a difierent speed. a

2. In a rotary printing press having inking means including a plurality of inking rollers, the

- power source and the time delay switch and inv combination of spray means for applying a finely divided liquid spray to the inking rollers, valve means for permitting and prohibiting operation of the spray means, said valve means being normally closed, means for automatically opening the valve meanswhen the printing press is operating at a predetermined speed, and means automatically maintaining open saidvalve means for taining the valve open for a minimum predetera predetermined period of time after the printing a noid to open thevalve when electrically actuated and means for electrically actuating the solenoid'for a predetermined period of time when the printing press is operating at a certain speed.

6. A rotary printingpress comprising, in combination, an impression cylinderand a plate cylinder for printing on an interposed continuous web of paper, inking means for the plate cylinder including an ink drum and vibrator rollers in peripheral contact therewith, means for applying a finely divided liquid spray to the vibrator rollers and inkdrumincluding a spray noz- -zle adjacent the vibrator rollers connected to a liquid source and a compressed air source and a valvebetween the compressed air source and the nozzle, a solenoid operatively connected to the valve to open the valve when electrically actuated, and means for electrically actuating the solenoid for predetermined periods of time comprising a circuit between an electric power source and the solenoid and including a time delay switch, and a circuit between the electric eluding a push button switch. I I

7.*In a fluid spray system for applying a liquid spray to inking rollers. of a printing press, in combination, a spray nozzle adjacent the inking rollers, compressed air-and liquid supply sources connected to the spraynozzle to supply compressed air and fluid to the spray nozzle, a

control valve between thecompressed air source and the spray nozzle openableto admit com,-v

pressed air to the nozzle for forming a finely divided liquid spray, means for automatically,

opening the valve when the printing press is op-. erating at a given speed, and means for main- ;mined period of time.

8.11; afiuid spray system for-applying a liquid spray to inking rollers of a printing press,

in combination, a spray nozzle adjacent the inkcompressed air and fluid to the spray nozzle, 2; control valve between'the compressed air source and the spray nozzle openable to admit compressed air to the nozzle for forming a finely divided liquid spray, means under the control of the printing press operator for opening the valve, and automatic means for maintaining the valve open for a minimum predetermined period of time.

9. In a fluid spray system for applying a liquid spray to inking rollers of a printing press, in combination, a spray nozzle adjacent the inking rollers, compressed air and liquid supply sources connected to the spray nozzle to supply compressed air and fluid to the spray nozzle, a control valve between the compressed air source and the spray nomle openable to admit compressed air to the nozzle for forming a finely divided liquid spray, means under the control of the printing press operator for opening the valve at any desired time, means for automatically opening the valve when the printing press is operating at a given speed, and means for maintaining the valve open for a minimum predetermined period of time after it is opened bythe above mentioned opening means.

10. In a fluid spray system for applying a liquid spray to inking rollers of a printing press, in combination, a spray nozzle adjacent the inking rollers, compressed air and liquid supply sources connected to, the spray nozzle to supply compressed air and fluid to the spray nozzle, a control valve between the compressed air source and the spray nozzle openable to admit compressed air to the nozzle for forming a finely divided liquid spray, and means for opening the valve for a minimum predetermined period of time, said means comprising a solenoid operatively connected to the valve to open the valve when the solenoid is electrically actuated, an electric-circuit between the solenoid and electric power lines including a time delay switch,

and an electric circuit between the time delay ically opening the valve for a minimum predetermined period of time when the printing press is operating at a predetermined speed, said means comprising a solenoid operatively connected to the valve to open the valve when electrically actuated, an electric circuit between the solenoid and electric power lines including a time delay switch, an electric circuit between the time delay switch and electric power lines and includ ing a make and break switch, and means for closing the make and break switch when the printing press is operating at a predetermined speed.

12. The process of treating printing ink on the inking mechanism of a printing press consisting of the application of a finely divided liquid spray of slowly evaporating liquid miscible with the printing ink base upon the printing ink on the ing rollers, compressed air and liquid supply. sources connected to the spray nozzle to supply inkmlng rollers as the printing press comes to a s p.

13. The method of preventing the solidification of printing ink on the inking rollers of a printing press which comprises the application or a finelydivided liquid spray of slowly evaporating liquid miscible with the printing ink base to the printing ink upon the inking rollers for a definite predetermined period of time as the printing press comes to a stop from an operating 14. The method of preventing the solidification or printing ink on the inking rollers 01 a printing press consisting of the application or a finely divided liquid spray or slowly evaporating liquid miscible with the printing ink base to the printing ink upon the inking rollers for a definite predetermined minimum period oi time upon the operation of the printing press at a predetermined relatively low speed.

15. The method of treating water base printing ink onthe inking rollers oil a printing press comprising the application of a finely divided spray of a hygroscopic liquid to the printing ink up n the inking roller as the printing press comes to a stop from an operating speed.

16. The method of treating water base printing ink on the inking rollers of a printing press comprising the application of a finely divided spray of a hygroscopic liquid to the printing ink upon the inking rollers for a definite predetermined minimum period of time upon the operation of the printing press at a predetermined relatively low speed:

17. The method of preventing the solidification upon the inking rollers of a printing press oi! printing inks whose essential ingredients are carbon and water which comprises the application of a finely divided-spray of glycerine to the printing ink upon the inking rollers when the printing press is brought to 'a stop from an operating speed.

18. The method of preventing the solidification upon the inking rollers or a printing press or printing inks whose essential ingredients are carbon and water which comprises the application or a finely divided spray of glycerine to the printing ink upon the inking rollers -ior a predetermined minimum period of time as the printing press is brought to a stop from an operating speed.

19. The method of preventing the solidification upon the inking rollers of a printing press of printing inks whose essential ingredients are carbon and water which comprises the application of a finely divided spray or glycerine to the printing ink upon the inking rollers for a predetermined minimum period of time upon the operation of the printing press at an inching speed.

20. The method of treating water base printing ink on the inking rollers 01' a printing press comprising the application or a finely divided water spray to the printing ink upon the inking rollers for a definite predetermined minimum period of time upon the'operation of the printing press at a predetermined relatively low speed.

21. The method of preventing the solidification upon the inking rollers of a printing press of printing inks whose essential ingredients are carbon and water which comprises the application of a finely divided water spray to the printing ink upon the inking rollers when the printing press is brought to a stop from an operating speed.

22. The method oi preventing the solidification oi printing inks whose essential ingredients are carbon and water which comprises the application of a finely divided water spray to the printing ink upon the inking rollers for a. predeter- 5 mined minimum period of time upon the operation of the printing press at aninching speed.

AUBURN TAYLOR. EMORY w. womnma'ron. 

